Player Updates

Butler returned from a shoulder injury was a full participant at practice Thursday. Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Butler tweaked his shoulder against the Bills on Sunday and played only 13 of 54 defensive snaps. The 23-year-old looks ready to go for Week 3, and will likely return to his role on Carolina's defensive line behind Kawann Short.

Butler (knee) practiced in full pads Tuesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Like his fellow tackle Kyle Love (ankle), there's optimism that Butler will be ready for Week 1's matchup with the 49ers in order to complete the four-tackle rotation that the Panthers favor. However, it seems that Love is further along in his rehab, so it's unlikely that Butler is out there without his counterpart.